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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED: DECEMBER 31, 2004
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM_________________TO_______________
COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-21724
FUEL-TECH N.V.
--------------
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES N/A
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OF ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
FUEL-TECH N.V. FUEL TECH, INC.
(REGISTRANT) (U.S. OPERATING SUBSIDIARY)
CASTORWEG 22-24 695 EAST MAIN STREET
CURACAO, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES STAMFORD, CT 06901
(599) 9-461-3754 (203) 425-9830
(ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK $0.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET, INC.
- --------------------------------------- -----------------------------
(TITLE OF CLASS) (NAME OF EXCHANGE ON
WHICH REGISTERED)
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT: (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS
REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 DURING THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE
REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH
FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS.
YES [X] NO___
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM 405
OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO THE
BEST OF THE REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION
STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY
AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K. _____
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT IS AN ACCELERATED FILER (AS
DEFINED IN RULE 12B-2 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934).
YES [X] NO___
THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY NON-AFFILIATES OF THE
REGISTRANT BASED ON THE AVERAGE BID AND ASKED PRICES OF JUNE 30, 2004 WAS
$73,062,000. THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY
NON-AFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT BASED ON THE AVERAGE BID AND ASKED PRICES OF
FEBRUARY 22, 2005 WAS $88,461,000.
INDICATE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF EACH OF THE REGISTERED CLASSES OF
COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 22, 2005: 19,567,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR
VALUE.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD IN 2005 ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PARTS II, III, AND IV
HEREOF.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 2. Description of Property 5
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 5
Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders 5
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 6
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 8
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 16
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 16
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants and Financial Disclosure 39
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 39
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 40
Item 11. Executive Compensation 40
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 40
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 40
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 40
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 41
Signatures and Certifications 43
ii
TABLE OF DEFINED TERMS
TERM DEFINITION
- ---- ----------
ABC American Bailey Corporation
ACUITIV(TM) A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's advanced
visualization software
AES Advanced Engineering Services
CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CDT Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc.
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics
Common Shares Shares of the Common Stock of Fuel Tech
Common Stock Common Stock of Fuel Tech
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute
FTI Fuel Tech, Inc.
FUEL CHEM(R) A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's fuel and flue gas
treatment processes, including its Targeted In-Furnace
Injection programs for slagging, fouling and corrosion
control and plume abatement
Fuel Tech Fuel-Tech N.V. and its subsidiaries and affiliates
Investors The purchasers of Fuel Tech securities pursuant to a
Securities Purchase Agreement as of March 23, 1998
Loan Notes Nil Coupon Non-redeemable Convertible Unsecured Loan Notes of
Fuel Tech
NOx Oxides of nitrogen
NOxOUT
CASCADE(R) A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's combination of NOxOUT
and SCR
NOxOUT(R)
Process A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's SNCR process for the
reduction of NOx
NOxOUT SCR(R) A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's use of urea used as
a catalyst reagent
NOxOUT ULTRA(R) A trademark used to describe Fuel Tech's process for generating
ammonia for use as SCR reagent
Rich Reagent
Injection
Technology (RRI) An SNCR-type process that broadens the NOx reduction capability
of the NOxOUT Process at a cost similar to NOxOUT. RRI can also
be applied on a stand-alone basis.
SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction
SIP Call State Implementation Plan Rulemaking Procedure
SNCR Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction
TIFI FUEL CHEM's Targeted In-Furnace Injection programs for
slagging, fouling and corrosion control and plume abatement
iii
FUEL-TECH N.V. SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES
December 31, 2004
---------------
| |
| FTNV |
| Netherland |-----------
| Antilles | |
| | |
--------------- | 100%
| ------------
| 100% | |
----------------- | PPI |
| | | Delaware |
| FTI | | |
| Massachusetts | ------------
| |
-----------------
100% 100% | 100% 100%
-------------------------------------------------------------------
| | | |
- ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------
| | | | | HOLDINGS | | |
| FTJL | | FTL | | Netherlands | | |
| Jamaica | | Canada | | Antilles | | Srl Italy |
| | | | | | | |
- ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------
|
| 100%
|
---------------
- -------------------------------------------- | |
| | | BV |
| FTNV - Fuel-Tech N.V. | | Netherlands |
| FTI - Fuel Tech, Inc. | | |
| HOLDINGS - Fuel Tech Holdings N.V. | ---------------
| BV - Fuel Tech BV | | 100%
| GmbH - Fuel Tech GmbH | ----|
| FTL - Fuel Tech Targeted | ------------
| Injection Chemicals Ltd. | | |
| FTJL - Fuel Tech Jamaica Limited | | GmbH |
| Srl - Fuel Tech Srl | | Germany |
| PPI - Platinum Plus, Inc. | | |
| | ------------
- --------------------------------------------
iv
PART I
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts, so-called
"forward-looking statements," are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned
that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including
those detailed in Fuel Tech's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. See "Risk Factors of the Business" in Item 1 and also Item 7
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
FUEL TECH
Fuel-Tech N.V., including its subsidiaries ("Fuel Tech"), is a technology
company active in the air pollution control and specialty chemical businesses
through its wholly owned subsidiary Fuel Tech, Inc. ("FTI"). Fuel-Tech N.V.,
incorporated in 1987 under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles, is registered
at Castorweg 22-24 in Curacao under No. 1334/N.V. Fuel Tech maintains an
Internet web site at http://www.fueltechnv.com.
Fuel Tech, Inc.
FTI's special focus is the worldwide marketing of its nitrogen oxide
("NOx") reduction and FUEL CHEM Processes. The NOx reduction technologies, which
include the NOxOUT, NOxOUT CASCADE, and NOxOUT SCR processes, reduce NOx
emissions in flue gas from boilers, incinerators, furnaces and other stationary
combustion sources. The FUEL CHEM product line uses chemical processes for the
control of slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume abatement in furnaces
and boilers through the addition of chemicals into the fuel or by
Targeted In-Furnace Injection. FTI has a number of other technologies, such as
NOxOUT ULTRA, both commercial and in the development stage, that are related to
the NOxOUT Process or similar in their technological base. FTI's business is
materially dependent on the continued existence and enforcement of worldwide air
quality regulations.
American Bailey Corporation
Ralph E. Bailey, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of
Fuel Tech, and Douglas G. Bailey, Deputy Chairman of Fuel Tech, are shareholders
of American Bailey Corporation ("ABC"). Please refer to Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements in this document. Additionally, see the more
detailed information relating to this subject under the caption "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions" in Fuel Tech's Proxy Statement to be
distributed in connection with Fuel Tech's 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
which information is incorporated by reference.
NOx REDUCTION
Regulations and Markets
The domestic U.S. air pollution control market is the primary driver in
Fuel Tech's NOx reduction business. This market is dependant on air pollution
regulations and their continued enforcement. These regulations are based on the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (the "CAAA"), which require reductions in NOx
emissions on varying timetables with respect to various sources of emissions.
Under the SIP (State Implementation Plan) Call, a regulation promulgated under
the Amendments (discussed further below), over 1,000 utility and large
industrial boilers in 19 states were required, as an aggregate, to achieve a NOx
reduction target by May 31, 2004. Also, under European Union Directives, over
100 industrial units in Europe must achieve NOx reductions by the end of 2005.
In 1994, governors of 11 Northeastern states, known collectively as the
Ozone Transport Region, signed a Memorandum of Understanding requiring utilities
to reduce their NOx emissions by 55% to 65% from 1990 levels by May 1999. In
1998, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") announced more stringent
regulations. The Ozone Transport SIP Call regulation, designed to mitigate the
effects of wind-aided ozone transported from the Midwestern and Southeastern
U.S. into the Northeastern non-attainment areas, requires, following the
litigation described below, 19 states to make even deeper aggregate reductions
of 85% from 1990 levels by May 31, 2004. Over 1,000 utility and large industrial
boilers are affected by these mandates. Additionally, most other states with
non-attainment areas are also required to meet ambient air quality standards for
ozone by 2007.
Although the SIP Call was the subject of litigation, an appellate court of
the D.C. Circuit upheld the validity of this regulation. This court's ruling was
later affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In February 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, upheld
EPA's authority to revise the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone to
0.080 parts per million averaged through an eight-hour period from the current
0.120 parts per million for a one-hour period. This more stringent standard
provides clarity and impetus for air pollution control efforts well beyond the
current ozone attainment requirement of 2007. In keeping with this trend, the
Supreme Court, only days later, denied industry's attempt to stay the SIP Call,
effectively exhausting all means of appeal.
1
On December 23, 2003, the EPA proposed a new regulation that affects the
SIP Call states by calling for more NOx reductions in 2010 and 2015. Also, deep
NOx reductions are called for in 10 additional states outside the current SIP
Call region. The proposed rule, called "The Interstate Air Quality Rule," allows
a cap and trade format similar to the SIP Call. This rule, or one that is
similar in nature, is expected to be passed in the near term.
Products
Fuel Tech's NOxOUT Process is a Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction ("SNCR")
process that uses non-hazardous urea as the reagent rather than ammonia. The
NOxOUT Process on its own is capable of reducing NOx by up to 40% for utilities
and by potentially significantly greater amounts for industrial units in many
types of plants with capital costs ranging from $6 - $20/kw for utility boilers
and with annualized operating costs ranging from $1,000 - $2,000/ton of NOx
removed.
Fuel Tech's NOxOUT CASCADE Process uses catalyst as an add-on to the NOxOUT
Process to achieve performance similar to Selective Catalytic Reduction ("SCR").
Based on demonstrations, NOxOUT CASCADE's capital cost is less than that of SCR,
while operating costs are competitive with those experienced by SCR.
Fuel Tech's NOxOUT SCR Process utilizes urea as a catalyst reagent to
achieve NOx reductions of up to 90% from smaller stationary combustion sources
with capital and operating costs competitive with equivalently sized, standard
SCR systems.
Fuel Tech's NOxOUT ULTRA system is designed to convert urea to ammonia,
safely and economically, for use as a reagent in the SCR process for NOx
reduction. In this fashion, Fuel Tech intends to participate in the SCR segment
of the SIP Call driven market. Recent local hurdles in the ammonia permitting
process have raised concerns regarding the safety of ammonia storage in
quantities sufficient to supply SCR.
Fuel Tech has sublicensed the Rich Reagent Injection Technology from
Reaction Engineering International, which has a direct license from the Electric
Power Research Institute. The technology has been proven in full-scale field
studies on cyclone-fired units to reduce NOx by 25-30%. The technology is a
generic SNCR process, whose applicability is outside the temperature range of
NOxOUT. The technology is seen as an add-on to Fuel Tech's NOxOUT systems, thus
potentially broadening the NOx reduction of the combined system to almost 50%
with a minimal additional capital requirement.
Sales of the NOx reduction technologies were $14.6 million, $25.4 million
and $25.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002,
respectively.
NOx Reduction Competition
Competition with Fuel Tech's NOx reduction products can be expected from
combustion modifications, SCR and ammonia SNCR, among others.
Combustion modifications, including low NOx burners, can be fitted to most
types of boilers with cost and effectiveness varying with specific boilers.
Combustion modifications may effect 20-50% NOx reduction economically with
capital costs ranging from $5 - $40/kw and levelized total costs ranging from
$300 - $1,500/ton of NOx removed. Such companies as Alstom, Foster Wheeler
Corporation, The Babcock & Wilcox Company and Steam Sales Corporation are active
competitors in the low-NOx burner business.
SCR is an effective and proven method of control for the removal of up to
90% of NOx. SCR has a high capital cost ranging from $55 - $150/kw on retrofit
coal applications. Such companies as Alstom, The Babcock & Wilcox Company,
Cormetech, Inc., Engelhard Corporation, Foster Wheeler Corporation, Peerless
Manufacturing Company, and the Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation are active
SCR system providers, or providers of the catalyst itself.
The use of ammonia as the reagent for the SNCR process was developed by the
ExxonMobil Corporation. Fuel Tech understands that the ExxonMobil patents on
this process have expired. This process can reduce NOx by 30% to 70% on
incinerators, but has limited applicability in the utility industry. Ammonia
system capital costs range from $15 - $22/kw, with annualized operating costs
ranging from $1,000 - $3,000/ton of NOx removed. These systems require the use
of stored ammonia, a hazardous substance.
In addition to or in lieu of using the foregoing processes, certain
customers will elect to close or derate plants, purchase electricity from
third-party sources, switch from higher to lower NOx emitting fuels or purchase
NOx emission allowances.
2
FUEL CHEM
Product and Markets
Fuel Tech's fireside and fuel additive programs, FUEL CHEM, help improve
furnace and boiler performance and reduce customer operating costs. The
technology offered by FUEL CHEM, through unique chemistries and application
approaches, offers the customer significant value and return on their
investment. FUEL CHEM offers in-fuel technologies and FTI's multi-patented,
Targeted In-Furnace Injection technology ("TIFI"). This latter approach, the key
FUEL CHEM technology, is a uniquely engineered and economical solution for the
control of slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume abatement. FUEL CHEM
also markets a family of combustion catalysts, which can offer customers the
benefit of reducing unburned carbon, lowering excess air and improving
combustion efficiency. The FUEL CHEM technology is rapidly gaining credibility
in the coal-fired electric utility industry, especially within the segment fired
by slag-forming coal, as a viable, cost-effective approach to the prevention of
problems that can have a significant negative financial impact on a plant's
operation. Electric utilities, the pulp and paper industry and municipal solid
waste incinerator facilities make up the principal markets for the program.
Sales of the FUEL CHEM products were $16.2 million, $10.3 million and $7.1
million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
Competition
Competition for Fuel Tech's FUEL CHEM product line includes chemicals sold
by specialty chemical companies, such as GE Betz, Inc., primarily in the
traditional heavy-fuel-oil treatment area. No substantive competition currently
exists for Fuel Tech's technology for the TIFI of additives for the control of
slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume abatement, but there can be no
assurance that such lack of substantive competition will continue.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING SERVICES AND ACUITIV
Fuel Tech uses its advanced engineering services ("AES") to support the
sale of its NOx reduction and FUEL CHEM systems, particularly through the use of
computational fluid dynamics ("CFD") tools. These CFD tools assist in the
prediction of the behavior of gas flows, thereby enhancing the implementation of
Fuel Tech's NOx reduction systems and the application of its FUEL CHEM slag and
corrosion control processes. To further aid the accuracy and expediency with
which process solutions could be designed and delivered to a customer, Fuel Tech
internally developed a visualization software product called ACUITIV.
In 2001 and 2002, Fuel Tech augmented its AES staff and equipment with a
view toward not only better serving Fuel Tech's own customers, but also seeking
other commercial applications for its services. Toward this goal, the ACUITIV
software product was commercially introduced in the second quarter of 2002. The
ACUITIV product offering was designed to provide customers in several industries
including automotive, aerospace and defense, chemical processing and energy,
with the ability to uncover new opportunities, improve designs, accelerate
decision-making and shorten product development time to market. In early 2005
ACUITIV was discontinued as a commercial venture. The software will continue to
be maintained and utilized internally on a prospective basis because it is an
essential tool in the design, marketing and sale of Fuel Tech's NOx reduction
and FUEL CHEM product applications.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
See Item 2 "Description of Property" for information on Fuel Tech's
intellectual property and proprietary position, which are material to its
business.
EMPLOYEES
Fuel Tech has 92 full-time employees, 86 in North America and 6 in Europe.
Fuel Tech enjoys good relations with its employees and is not a party to any
labor management agreements.
RISK FACTORS OF THE BUSINESS
Investors in Fuel Tech should be mindful of the following risk factors
relative to Fuel Tech's business.
(i) Lack of Diversification
Fuel Tech is engaged in one principal business that provides advanced
engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and
industrial applications. An adverse development in Fuel Tech's advanced
engineering solution business as a result of competition, technological change,
government regulation, or any other factor could have a significantly greater
impact than if Fuel Tech maintained more diverse operations.
3
(ii) Competition
Competition in the NOx control market will come from processes utilizing
low-NOx burners, over-fire air, flue gas recirculation, ammonia SNCR, SCR and,
with respect to particular uses of urea not infringing Fuel Tech's patents, urea
(see Item 2 "Description of Property"). Competition will also come from business
practices such as the purchase rather than the generation of electricity, fuel
switching, closure or derating of units, and sale or trade of pollution credits.
Utilization by customers of such processes or business practices or combinations
thereof may adversely affect Fuel Tech's pricing and participation in the NOx
control market if customers elect to comply with regulations by methods other
than Fuel Tech's NOxOUT or NOxOUT CASCADE Processes. See above under this Item I
the text under the captions "Products" and "NOx Reduction Competition."
Competition in the FUEL CHEM markets includes chemicals sold by specialty
chemical companies, such as GE Betz, Inc., primarily in the traditional
heavy-fuel-oil treatment area. As noted previously, no substantive competition
currently exists for Fuel Tech's technology for the TIFI of additives for the
control of slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume abatement. However,
there can be no assurance that such lack of substantive competition will
continue.
(iii) Dependence on Regulations and Enforcement
Fuel Tech's business is significantly impacted by the regulatory
environment surrounding the markets in which it serves. Fuel Tech's business
will be adversely impacted to the extent that regulations are repealed or
amended to significantly reduce the level of required NOx reduction, or to the
extent that regulatory authorities minimize enforcement. See also the text above
under the caption "Regulations and Markets."
(iv) Protection of Patents and Proprietary Rights
Fuel Tech holds licenses to or owns a number of patents and, has patents
pending. There can be no assurance that pending patent applications will be
granted or that outstanding patents will not be challenged or circumvented by
competitors. Certain critical technology relating to Fuel Tech's products is
protected by trademark and trade secret laws, and confidentiality and licensing
agreements. There can be no assurance that such protection will prove adequate
or that Fuel Tech will have adequate remedies for disclosure of its trade
secrets or violations of its intellectual property rights. See Item 2
"Description of Property."
4
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
Fuel Tech's products are generally protected by U.S. and non-U.S. patents.
Fuel Tech owns 96 granted patents worldwide, and has four patent applications
pending in the United States and 18 pending in non-U.S. jurisdictions. These
patents cover some 35 inventions, 25 associated with the NOx reduction business;
four associated with FUEL CHEM, one associated with ACUITIV and five associated
with non-commercialized technologies. These inventions represent significant
enhancements of the application and performance of the technologies. Further,
Fuel Tech believes that the protection provided by the numerous claims in the
above referenced patents or patent applications is substantial, and affords Fuel
Tech a significant competitive advantage in its business. Accordingly, any
significant reduction in the protection afforded by these patents or any
significant development in competing technologies could have a material adverse
effect on Fuel Tech's business.
Apart from its intellectual property, the property of Fuel Tech is not
material.
Fuel Tech and its subsidiaries operate from leased office and engineering
facilities in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; Batavia, Illinois; Stamford,
Connecticut; and Milan, Italy.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Fuel Tech has no pending litigation material to its business.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the fourth quarter of 2004, no matters were submitted to a vote of
security holders.
5
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market
Fuel Tech's Common Shares have been traded since September 1993 on The
NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
Prices
The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices during each
calendar quarter since January 2003.
2004 HIGH LOW
---- ---- ---
Fourth Quarter $5.45 $4.15
Third Quarter 5.24 3.94
Second Quarter 5.30 3.79
First Quarter 5.60 3.40
2003
----
Fourth Quarter 5.52 2.89
Third Quarter 6.21 4.72
Second Quarter 5.85 3.07
First Quarter 5.00 3.01
Dividends
Fuel Tech has not to date paid dividends on its Common Shares and is not
expected to do so in the foreseeable future.
Holders
Based on information from Fuel Tech's Transfer Agent, as of February 7,
2005, there were 356 registered holders of Fuel Tech's Common Shares. Management
believes that, on such date, there were approximately 1,730 beneficial holders
of Fuel Tech's Common Shares.
Transfer Agent
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Shares is Mellon Investor
Services, LLC, 85 Challenger Road, Overpeck Centre, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
07660.
Exchange Controls
Fuel Tech received a license of unlimited duration from the Central Bank of
the Netherlands Antilles to exempt it from foreign exchange controls in dealings
with parties outside of the Netherlands Antilles or with parties in the
Netherlands Antilles holding a similar license. Fuel Tech also received a
business license of unlimited duration that allows the securities of Fuel Tech
to be held by non-residents of the Netherlands Antilles. There are no other
restrictions on the rights of such non-residents as shareholders. The books of
Fuel Tech are maintained in U.S. dollars, however, there are transactions in
other currencies.
Taxation
Under the Netherlands Antilles tax code applicable to Fuel Tech until at
least the fiscal year 2019, Fuel Tech's income taxes in the Netherlands
Antilles, which are based on profits exclusive of Dutch dividends received, are
computed at a rate of 2.4% on the first 100,000 Netherlands Antilles Guilders
(approximately $60,000) and 3% on the excess. Also, capital gains and losses are
not included in the taxable profit of Fuel Tech. Based on a tax ruling received
by Fuel Tech, Dutch dividends received will be taxed to Fuel Tech at a rate of
5.0% at source, and at 5.5% of the net Dutch dividends in the Netherlands
Antilles until at least the fiscal year 2005. Fuel-Tech N.V. is not now liable
for tax in any jurisdiction other than the Netherlands Antilles. The
subsidiaries of Fuel Tech are generally subject to the tax regimes of the
jurisdictions where they are incorporated and conduct operations but not in the
Netherlands Antilles.
Dividends paid by Fuel Tech to U.S. persons who are not engaged in a trade
or business through a permanent establishment in the Netherlands Antilles are
currently not subject to tax in the Netherlands Antilles. Gain or loss derived
by a U.S. person from the sale or exchange of Fuel Tech's Common Shares is
exempt from Netherlands Antilles income tax. The tax treaty between the United
States and the Netherlands Antilles was terminated effective December 31, 1987.
6
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information for all equity compensation plans
as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, under which the securities of
Fuel Tech were authorized for issuance:
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR
NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO BE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER
ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF EXERCISE PRICE OF EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, EXCLUDING SECURITIES
PLAN CATEGORY AND RIGHTS WARRANTS AND RIGHTS LISTED IN COLUMN (A)
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------
(a) (b) (c)
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------
Equity compensation plans 2,810,000 $3.24 301,000
approved by security
holders (1)
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------------
(1) Includes Common Shares of Fuel Tech authorized for awards under Fuel
Tech's 1993 Incentive Plan, as amended through June 3, 2004.
7
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Selected financial data are presented below as of the end of and for each
of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2004. The
selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31,
2004, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for
share data)
Net sales $30,832 $ 35,736 $ 32,627 $ 17,672 $ 21,906
Selling, general and administrative and other
costs and expenses 14,017 12,946 11,687 9,873 9,305
Net income (loss) 1,572 1,120 3,057 (1,633) 415
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ---------------
Basic income (loss) per Common Share $ .08 $ .06 $ 0.16 $ (0.09) $ 0.02
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share $ .07 $ .05 $ 0.14 $ (0.09) $ 0.02
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 19,517,000 19,637,000 19,350,000 18,592,000 18,396,000
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 22,155,000 22,412,000 22,437,000 18,592,000 19,621,000
DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for per
share data)
Working capital $ 11,292 $ 10,973 $ 13,930 $ 8,844 $ 12,525
Total assets 23,828 21,598 25,869 20,328 23,089
Long-term obligations 505 299 2,059 491 3,346
Total liabilities 4,873 4,287 9,064 7,193 8,522
Shareholders' equity 18,955 17,311 16,805 13,135 14,567
Net tangible book value per share $ 0.70 $ 0.61 $ 0.64 $ 0.56 $ 0.59
Notes:
(1) Shareholders' equity includes $532,000 principal amount of nil coupon
non-redeemable perpetual loan notes. See Note 4 to the consolidated
financial statements.
(2) Net tangible book value per share assumes full conversion of Fuel Tech's
nil coupon non-redeemable perpetual loan notes into shares of Fuel Tech's
Common Shares.
(3) Effective January 1, 2002, Fuel Tech adopted FASB (Financial Accounting
Standards Board) Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."
Under the guidance of this statement, goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible assets are no longer amortized but will be reviewed annually, or
more frequently if indicators arise, for impairment. For the 12 months
ended December 31, the following table depicts the impact on each of the
prior years noted, had the non-amortization policy been applied.
2001 2000
-------------------------------
Reported net (loss) income $ (1,633,000) $ 415,000
Add back: Goodwill
amortization 334,000 334,000
-------------------------------
Adjusted net (loss) income $ (1,299,000) $ 749,000
===============================
Basic earnings per share:
Reported net (loss) income $ (.09) $ .02
Add back: Goodwill
amortization .02 .02
-------------------------------
Adjusted net (loss) income $ (.07) $ .04
===============================
Diluted earnings per share:
Reported net (loss) income $ (.09) $ .02
Add back: Goodwill
amortization .02 .02
-------------------------------
Adjusted net (loss) income $ (.07) $ .04
===============================
8
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
BACKGROUND
Fuel-Tech N.V. ("Fuel Tech") is a technology company that provides advanced
engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and
industrial applications. Fuel Tech currently generates revenues from the
following product lines:
Nitrogen Oxide ("NOx") Reduction Technologies
Fuel Tech markets a suite of nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction technologies.
These include the NOxOUT, NOxOUT CASCADE, and NOxOUT SCR Processes which use the
injection of chemicals to reduce NOx emissions in flue gas from boilers,
incinerators, furnaces and other stationary combustion sources to meet statutory
NOx reduction requirements worldwide. Fuel Tech distributes its products through
its direct sales force, licensees and agents. The near-term driver for growth in
this business is the Ozone Transport SIP (State Implementation Plan) Call, which
required 19 states to decrease their NOx emissions by May 31, 2004. This
regulation impacts 700-800 utility boilers and 400-500 large industrial boilers
(see below for more detail on the SIP Call). Fuel Tech believes that the
implementation of the SIP Call will extend well beyond the May 31, 2004
implementation date.
Fuel Treatment Chemicals
Fuel Tech's proprietary Targeted In-Furnace Injection (TIFI) technology
centers on the unique application of specialty chemicals to improve the
performance of combustion units. Specifically, this technology is used to
address slagging, fouling, corrosion and plume abatement in furnaces and boilers
through the injection of chemicals into the fuel or, via TIFI. Fuel Tech sells
its fuel treatment chemicals through its direct sales force and agents to
industrial and utility power-generation facilities. Fuel Tech believes its
largest market opportunity for this product line is those units burning Western
coals, many of which have significant operational issues related to the
formation of slag.
Visualization Software
To further aid the accuracy and expediency with which process solutions
could be designed and delivered to a customer, Fuel Tech internally developed a
visualization software product called ACUITIV. The software allows users to
visualize complex data sets in a three dimensional immersive environment. The
ACUITIV software product was commercially introduced in the second quarter of
2002. The ACUITIV product offering was designed to provide customers in several
industries including automotive, aerospace and defense, chemical processing and
energy, with the ability to uncover new opportunities, improve designs,
accelerate decision-making and shorten product development time to market. In
early 2005 ACUITIV was discontinued as a commercial venture. The software will
continue to be maintained and utilized internally on a prospective basis because
it is an essential tool in the design, marketing and sale of Fuel Tech's NOx
reduction and FUEL CHEM product applications.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which
require Fuel Tech to make estimates and assumptions. Fuel Tech believes that of
its accounting policies (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements)
the following involves a higher degree of judgment and complexity and are deemed
critical. Fuel Tech discusses its critical accounting policies with the Audit
Committee.
Revenue Recognition
Fuel Tech uses the percentage of completion method of accounting for
certain long-term equipment construction and license contracts. Under the
percentage of completion method, sales and gross profit are recognized as work
is performed based on the relationship between actual construction costs
incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Since the financial reporting
of these contracts depends on estimates that are assessed continually during the
term of the contract, recognized sales and profit are subject to revisions as
the contract progresses to completion. Revisions in profit estimates are
reflected in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become
known. Different results are possible when using different assumptions.
As part of most of its contractual project agreements, Fuel Tech will agree
to customer-specific acceptance criteria that relate to the operational
performance of the system that is being sold to the customer. These criteria are
determined based on mathematical modeling that is performed by Fuel Tech
personnel which is based on operational inputs that are provided by the
customer. The customer will warrant that these operational inputs are accurate
as they are specified in the binding contractual agreement. Further, the
customer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the operating condition
information and, all performance guarantees and equipment warranties granted by
Fuel Tech are void if the operating condition information is inaccurate or is
not met.
9
Fuel Tech has installed over 325 units with the technology and has never
failed to meet a performance guarantee when the customer has provided the
required operating conditions for the project. As part of the project
implementation process, Fuel Tech will perform system start-up and optimization
services which effectively serve as a test of actual project performance. Fuel
Tech believes that this test, combined with the accuracy of the modeling that is
performed, enables revenue to be recognized prior to the receipt of formal
customer acceptance.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Fuel Tech, in order to control and monitor the credit risk associated with
its customer base, reviews the credit worthiness of customers on a recurring
basis. Factors influencing the level of scrutiny include the level of business
the customer has with Fuel Tech, the customer's payment history and the
customer's financial stability. Representatives of Fuel Tech's Management team
review all past due accounts on a weekly basis to assess collectibility. At the
end of each reporting period, the reserve balance is reviewed relative to
management's collectibility assessment and is adjusted if deemed necessary. Fuel
Tech's historical credit loss has been insignificant.
Assessment of potential impairments of goodwill and intangible assets
Effective January 1, 2002, Fuel Tech adopted FASB (Financial Accounting
Standards Board) Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."
Under the guidance of this statement, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
assets are no longer amortized, but rather, are required to be reviewed annually
or more frequently if indicators arise, for impairment. The evaluation of
impairment involves comparing the current fair value of the business to the
recorded value. Fuel Tech uses a discounted cash flow model (DCF) to determine
the current fair value of its two reporting units. A number of significant
assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to
forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales
volumes and prices, costs to produce and working capital changes. Management
considers historical experience and all available information at the time the
fair values of its reporting units are estimated. However, actual fair values
that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from those used to
evaluate the impairment of goodwill.
Fuel Tech reviews other intangible assets, which include a customer list, a
covenant not to compete and patent assets, for impairment on a recurring basis
or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted
future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying
amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's
carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Management considers historical
experience and all available information at the time the estimates of future
cash flows are made, however, the actual cash values that could be realized may
differ from those that are estimated.
Valuation allowance for deferred income taxes
Deferred tax assets represent deductible temporary differences and net
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recognized
if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will
not be realized.
Upon review of its potential sources of taxable income, Fuel Tech has
concluded that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax
asset will not be realized. Fuel Tech considers if there are taxable temporary
differences that could generate taxable income in the future, if there is the
ability to carryback the net operating loss, if there is a projection of future
taxable income and, if there are any tax planning strategies which can be
readily implemented. Fuel Tech is a company whose revenues are generated from a
customer base that is heavily regulated. This fact lends some uncertainty to the
ability of the Company to project forward-looking income with precision.
10
2004 VERSUS 2003
Net sales for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were
$30,832,000 and $35,736,000, respectively. The year on year decline reflects a
reduction in revenues derived from the NOx reduction project product line.
Revenues for this product line were $14.6 million in 2004 versus $25.4 million
in 2003. As referred to in previous filings, although the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) SIP (State Implementation Plan) Call regulation became
effective as of May 31, 2004, there were several factors that led to a slowing
of equipment orders in the air pollution control business late in 2003 and
during the first half of 2004. NOx allowance prices for 2004 were depressed as a
result of weak demand for power, the existence of a shortened ozone season and
due to the allocation of supplemental NOx allowances. Consequently, some
utilities were able to delay capital spending related to NOx control and they
met their emissions reduction requirements on a short-term basis through the
purchase of allowances and other temporary means. In addition, many utilities
continued to experience significant capital constraints. Based on these market
factors, the air pollution control business weakened during the latter portion
of 2003 and the first half of 2004. As expected, the second half of 2004 began
to show improvement with the receipt of several air pollution control project
orders. Increased strength in this business is expected in 2005 and 2006 and
Fuel Tech continues to work towards developing alliance agreements with critical
customers looking to finalize their compliance plans.
The decline in NOx reduction project revenues was partially offset by
record fuel treatment chemical revenues. Revenues for the Fuel Chem product line
increased to $16.2 million from $10.3 million in 2003, an increase of almost
60%. Revenues derived from Western coal-fired utility boilers had the largest
year on year impact, and contributions from the customer contracts acquired from
Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties, LLC on September 30, 2003, also
contributed to the increase.
Fuel Tech believes that attaining success on additional Western coal-fired
utility boilers will lead to more expedient penetration of the Western
coal-fired utility market. Sales and marketing efforts are intensely focused on
penetrating this market as it represents the largest opportunity for the fuel
treatment chemical business. The Company's TIFI (targeted in-furnace injection)
technology alleviates the slagging and fouling issues associated with burning
coals that are high in low-melting-point ash constituents, such as sodium.
The SIP Call, introduced in 1998, is the federal mandate that required 22
states to reduce NOx emissions by May 2003. On March 3, 2000, an appellate court
of the D.C. Circuit upheld the validity of the SIP Call for 19 of the 22 states
and, on June 22, 2000, the same court made a final ruling upholding the EPA's
SIP call regulation and denying the appeal of the states and utilities. Although
the NOx reduction requirement date was moved back one year to May 31, 2004, 19
states were required to complete and issue their State Implementation Plans for
NOx reduction by October of 2000. These plans, which the EPA had until October
2001 to approve, will potentially impact 700 to 800 utility boilers and 400 to
500 industrial units. Although the SIP Call was the subject of litigation, an
appellate court of the D.C. Circuit upheld the validity of this regulation. This
court's ruling was later affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In February 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, upheld
EPA's authority to revise the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone to
0.080 parts per million averaged through an eight-hour period from the current
0.120 parts per million for a one-hour period. This more stringent standard
provides clarity and impetus for air pollution control efforts well beyond the
current ozone attainment requirement of 2007. In keeping with this trend, the
Supreme Court, only days later, denied industry's attempt to stay the SIP Call,
effectively exhausting all means of appeal.
On December 23, 2003, EPA proposed a new regulation that affects the SIP
Call states by calling for more NOx reductions in 2010 and 2015. Also, deep NOx
reductions are called for in 10 additional states outside the current SIP Call
region. The proposed rule, called "The Interstate Air Quality Rule," allows a
cap and trade format similar to the SIP Call. This rule, or one that is similar
in nature, is expected to be passed in the near term.
Based on these regulatory developments, Fuel Tech expects to enjoy
continued demand for its air pollution technologies over the next several years.
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for the 12-month period ended
December 31, 2004 declined to 54% from 61% in the prior year due to two primary
reasons. First, a significantly larger percentage of the revenues for the
12-month period ended December 31, 2004 were generated by the fuel treatment
chemical product line. The gross margins realized by the fuel treatment chemical
product line are typically higher than the NOx reduction project business.
Secondarily, a larger percentage of the NOx reduction project revenues generated
for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003 were generated by NOx reduction
turnkey projects than in 2004. When Fuel Tech receives a NOx reduction project
order from a customer, the scope of the project can include two components.
First, there is the Fuel Tech equipment scope for a project and second, there is
an installation scope for a project. Due to its patented technology, Fuel Tech's
equipment scope for a project generates a higher gross margin than does the
installation scope for a project. Historically, most NOx reduction projects
undertaken by Fuel Tech have not included the installation scope of a project
and this portion of the work has been the responsibility of the end customer.
When Fuel Tech is responsible for both components of the project scope, the
overall project margin is reduced.
11
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $12,775,000 and
$11,659,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Of
the $1,116,000 increase, $400,000 was due to employment-related costs for sales
and marketing personnel related to the fuel treatment chemical business. Market
penetration of Fuel Tech's TIFI technology in the coal-fired utility market
remains a strategic priority. The remainder of the variance was due primarily to
an increase in engineering expenses which was driven by the reduction in NOx
reduction project activity. When engineering employees are specifically working
on NOx reduction projects their costs are classified as cost of sales.
Research and development expenses were $1,242,000 and $1,287,000 for the 12
months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Fuel Tech continues to
pursue commercial applications for technologies related to its core businesses,
with a particular focus on its FUEL CHEM technologies.
There was no interest expense recorded for the 12-month period ended
December 31, 2004, while $25,000 was recorded during 2003. Fuel Tech paid off
the entirety of its outstanding debt balance in the second quarter of 2003.
Other expense was $83,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 versus
other income of $144,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. The decline
is principally due to recording an impairment loss for certain patent assets in
the amount of $113,000 in 2004. Additionally, Fuel Tech had lower interest
income in 2004 resulting from a lower average outstanding cash balance in 2004
versus 2003.
Fuel Tech's income tax benefit of $1,406,000 for 2004 predominantly
represents the recording of a $1,500,000 reduction in the deferred tax asset
valuation allowance representing the anticipated utilization of net operating
loss carryforwards in subsequent years. Based on a review of both historical and
projected taxable income Fuel Tech concluded that it is more likely than not
that some portion of the net operating losses will be utilized in subsequent
years and that a reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance was required.
The $94,000 in tax expense that offsets this amount primarily represents state
income tax expense. Fuel Tech did not record a financial impact from income
taxes in 2003.
12
2003 VERSUS 2002
Net sales for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were
$35,736,000 and $32,627,000, respectively. The improvement was primarily
attributable to the increase in Fuel treatment chemical revenues, as this
product line contributed revenues at a record level during 2003. Fuel treatment
chemical revenues increased by 45% in 2003 to $10.3, million from $7.1 million
in 2002. Within the Fuel treatment chemical product line, revenues derived from
Western coal-fired utility boilers had the largest year on year impact as
additional customers were attained in this market segment. Additionally,
positive contributions were attained from utilities burning oil, both in the
United States and in foreign locations. Fuel Tech believes that its success on
several Western coal-fired utility boilers, along with intensely focused sales
and marketing efforts and the utilization of strategic partners, will lead to
further penetration of the Western coal-fired utility market in the near future.
The coal-fired market represents the largest market opportunity for the fuel
treatment chemical business and penetration into this market is a priority. The
Company's TIFI technology alleviates the slagging and fouling issues associated
with burning coals that are high in low-melting-point ash constituents, such as
sodium.
NOx reduction project revenues in 2003 were $25.4 million, which
approximates the same level as 2002. Even with the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) SIP (State Implementation Plan) Call regulation in place, two
factors led to a slowing of equipment orders in the air pollution control
business in the latter part of the year. First, rulings related to New Source
Review caused our utility customers to reassess their SIP Call compliance plans
to ensure that they will meet their overall NOx reduction requirements in the
most cost-effective manner. Although the Company expects this recent ruling to
benefit business in the future, the impact in the near-term was a delay in the
receipt of orders. Second, many utilities were experiencing significant capital
constraints. This, coupled with depressed NOx allowance prices for 2004, which
were the result of weak demand for power and the existence of a shortened ozone
season, caused some utilities to delay capital spending and to meet their
requirements on a short-term basis through the purchase of allowances and other
temporary means. Based on these market factors, the air pollution control
business did weaken during the latter portion of 2003, and was expected to
remain weak during the first half of 2004.
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for the 12-month period ended
December 31, 2003 was 61% versus 56% for the same period of the prior year. This
percentage increase reflected a change in product mix within the NOx reduction
project product line. In 2003, a significantly larger percentage of the NOx
reduction project revenues were generated by turnkey projects, which include
both scope components of a project, versus the comparable period in 2002. As
noted previously, when Fuel Tech receives a NOx reduction project order from a
customer, the scope of the project can include two components, Fuel Tech's
equipment scope for a project and, an installation scope for a project. When
Fuel Tech is responsible for both components of the project scope, the overall
project margin is reduced.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1,427,000 to
$11,659,000 for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003 from $10,232,000 for
the same period of 2002. Approximately $800,000 of the increase was due to
employment-related costs for sales and marketing personnel that were added in
the latter half of 2002 and during 2003 to support the fuel treatment chemical
product line. Market penetration of Fuel Tech's TIFI (targeted in-furnace
injection) technology in the coal-fired utility market remains a strategic
priority. To a lesser degree, approximately $300,000 of the increase was due to
selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by Fuel Tech's foreign
operations. Foreign expenses increased modestly in 2003 versus 2002, however the
strength of the Euro in 2003 versus 2002 served to have a significant negative
impact on U.S. dollar reporting. Lastly, the remainder of the variance was
attributable to administrative cost increases in a variety of cost categories
including employment costs, insurance premiums, audit fees and director's fees.
Research and development expenses for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003
and 2002 were $1,287,000 and $1,455,000, respectively. The decrease in research
and development spending was due to the treatment of the ACUITIV software
business as a commercial enterprise commencing late in the third quarter of 2002
and thereafter. Prior to this date, this business was considered as a research
and development effort.
Interest expense for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 was reduced to
$25,000 from $136,000 in the prior 12-month period. In the second quarter of
the year, the Company paid off the entirety of its outstanding debt balance.
Other income and expense for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003
was $144,000 versus $139,000 for the same period in 2002.
No provision for federal or state income taxes was recorded during the
12-month period ended December 31, 2003 due to the existence of net operating
loss carryforwards. An income tax benefit of $150,000 was recorded in 2002,
which represented a reduction of the reserve for prior years' state income tax
refunds receivable, as the related receivables were collected in 2002. Fuel Tech
had $17.5 million in U.S. federal income tax loss carryforwards as of December
31, 2003, the deferred tax benefit of which had been offset by a valuation
allowance in Fuel Tech's balance sheet.
13
LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL
At December 31, 2004, Fuel Tech had cash and cash equivalents of $6,531,000
and working capital of $11,292,000 versus $7,812,000 and $10,973,000 at the end
of 2003, respectively. Operating activities provided $714,000 of cash in 2004
primarily due to Fuel Tech's operating profit before depreciation and
amortization. Investing activities used cash of $2,067,000 during the year. Of
this amount, $1,100,000 was used for equipment related to the fuel treatment
chemical business, while the remainder primarily was used for test equipment,
furniture and fixtures and other administrative-related capital requirements.
Lastly, Fuel Tech generated cash from the exercise of stock options in the
amount of $34,000.
Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTI) had a $10.0 million revolving credit facility
expiring July 31, 2004, which was collateralized by all personal property owned
by FTI. Effective June 30, 2004, FTI amended the facility to increase the line
to $15.0 million, and to extend the expiration date until July 31, 2006. FTI can
use this facility for cash advances and standby letters of credit. Cash advances
under this facility bear interest based on the following:
- The Bank Prime Rate reduced by a range of zero to 50 basis points,
or
- The Bank Interbank Offering Rate increased by a range of 200 to 250
basis points
The Company can choose which rate to apply to borrowings.
At December 31, 2004, the bank had provided standby letters of credit,
predominantly to customers, totaling approximately $378,000 in connection with
contracts in process. FTI is committed to reimbursing the issuing bank for any
payments made by the bank under these letters of credit. At December 31, 2004,
there were no cash borrowings under the revolving credit facility and
approximately $14,622,000 was available for utilization.
Interest payments were $39,000 and $156,000 for the years ended December
31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no required interest payments in
2004.
In the opinion of management, Fuel Tech's expected near-term revenue
growth will be driven by the timing of penetration of the coal-fired utility
marketplace via utilization of its TIFI technology, and by various entities'
implementation of the NOx reduction requirements of the CAAA. Fuel Tech expects
its liquidity requirements to be met by the operating results generated from
these activities.
14
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
In its normal course of business, Fuel Tech enters into agreements that
obligate Fuel Tech to make future payments. The operating lease obligations
noted below are primarily related to supporting the normal operations of the
business and are not recognized as liabilities in Fuel Tech's consolidated
balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACTUAL CASH LESS THAN 1
OBLIGATIONS TOTAL YEAR 2-3 YEARS 4-5 YEARS THEREAFTER
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Operating Leases $ 2,139 $ 457 $ 907 $ 754 $ 21
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Fuel Tech has a sublease agreement that obligates the lessee to make future
payments to FTI. The sublease obligations noted below are related to a sublease
agreement between FTI and American Bailey Corporation (ABC). ABC will reimburse
FTI for its share of lease and lease-related expenses under FTI's January 29,
2004 lease of its executive offices in Stamford, Connecticut. Please refer to
Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the relation
between FTI and ABC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RENTAL PAYMENTS DUE TO FTI BY PERIOD IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACTUAL CASH LESS THAN 1
OBLIGATIONS TOTAL YEAR 2-3 YEARS 4-5 YEARS THEREAFTER
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Sublease $ 488 $ 96 $ 192 $ 192 $ 8
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Fuel Tech, in the normal course of business, uses bank performance
guarantees and letters of credit in support of construction contracts with
customers as follows:
- in support of the warranty period defined in the contract, or
- in support of the system performance criteria that are defined in
the contract
In addition, Fuel Tech uses letters of credit as security for other
obligations as needed in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2004,
Fuel Tech has outstanding bank performance guarantees and letters of credit as
noted in the table below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENT EXPIRATION BY PERIOD IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL LESS THAN 1
COMMITMENTS TOTAL YEAR 2-3 YEARS 4-5 YEARS THEREAFTER
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Standby letters of $ 378 $ 199 $ 150 $ 29 -
credit and bank
guarantees
---------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
From time to time, information provided by Fuel Tech, statements made by
its employees or information included in its filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (including this Annual Report) may contain statements that
are not historical facts, so-called "forward-looking statements." These
forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Fuel Tech's actual future
results may differ significantly from those stated in any forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, product demand, pricing, market
acceptance, litigation, risk of dependence on significant customers, third-party
suppliers and intellectual property rights, risks in product and technology
development and other risk factors detailed in the text under the caption "Risk
Factors of the Business" in Item 1 "Business" above Part I of this Annual Report
and in Fuel Tech's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
15
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Fuel Tech's earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Fuel Tech does not enter into
foreign currency forward contracts or into foreign currency option contracts to
manage this risk due to the immaterial nature of the transactions involved.
Fuel Tech is also exposed to changes in interest rates primarily due to
its long-term debt arrangement (refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial
statements). A hypothetical 100 basis point adverse move in interest rates along
the entire interest rate yield curve would not have a materially adverse effect
on interest expense during the upcoming year ended December 31, 2005.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Fuel Tech's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule
13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. As required by Rule 13a-15(c) under the
Exchange Act, Fuel Tech's management carried out an evaluation, with the
participation of the Fuel Tech's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting
as of the end of the last fiscal year. The framework on which such evaluation
was based is contained in the report entitled "Internal Control--Integrated
Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (the "COSO Report").
In performing the evaluation, one instance was found where the procedures and
controls were insufficient to ensure that infrequent or unusual business
transactions, such as lease agreements, are analyzed, recorded, and monitored in
the context of authoritative accounting guidance such that these transactions
are recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Rent
expense during the year was understated due to the accounting treatment for a
"free rent" period that was provided in its lease agreement for its corporate
headquarters. Fuel Tech had recorded rent expense in accordance with the
required rental payment schedule in the lease, rather than amortizing the total
minimum lease payments over the full term of the lease. The adjustment for
additional rent expense of $123,000 was recorded subsequent to the press release
issued on Thursday, March 3, 2005. Fuel Tech has only one other building lease
agreement.
Management evaluated the impact of this adjustment on Fuel Tech's assessment of
its system of internal control and has concluded that the control deficiency
that resulted in the one instance of incorrect lease accounting represented a
material weakness. Management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, Fuel
Tech's internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the
criteria set forth by the COSO Report, as a result of this one material
weakness.
Management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
which is included elsewhere herein.
REMEDIATION STEPS TO ADDRESS MATERIAL WEAKNESS
To remediate the material weakness in Fuel Tech's internal control over
financial reporting, Fuel Tech has implemented additional review procedures over
the factors affecting infrequent or unusual business transactions, including
lease agreements.
16
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FUEL-TECH N.V.
We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Fuel-Tech
N.V. did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, because of the insufficient procedures and controls to ensure
that infrequent or unusual business transactions are analyzed, recorded, and
monitored, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (the COSO criteria). Fuel-Tech N.V.'s management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an
opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control
deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material
misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented
or detected. The following material weakness has been identified and included in
management's assessment. Management concluded that the procedures and controls
were insufficient to ensure that infrequent or unusual business transactions,
such as lease agreements, are analyzed, recorded, and monitored in the context
of authoritative accounting guidance such that these transactions are recognized
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Rent expense during
the year had been understated due to not properly accounting for a "free rent"
period that was provided in its lease agreement for its corporate headquarters.
An adjustment for additional rent expense was recorded subsequent to the press
release issued on Thursday, March 3, 2005. This material weakness was considered
in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our
audit of the December 31, 2004 financial statements, and this report does not
affect our report dated March 14, 2005 on these financial statements.
In our opinion, management's assessment that Fuel-Tech N.V. did not maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is
fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in
our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on
the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, Fuel-Tech N.V. has
not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, based on the COSO control criteria.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 14, 2005
17
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Fuel-Tech N.V.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fuel-Tech N.V.
as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements
and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Fuel-Tech N.V. at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in
our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Fuel-Tech
N.V.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based
on criteria established in internal control-integrated framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report
dated March 14, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment
and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 14, 2005
18
FUEL-TECH N.V.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
2004 2003
------------ -------------
DECEMBER 31
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,531 $ 7,812
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful
accounts of $74 and $311, respectively 7,358 6,095
Inventories 311 312
Deferred income taxes 500 -
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 960 742
------------ -------------
Total current assets 15,660 14,961
Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,209 and
$6,165, respectively 2,863 2,127
Goodwill 2,119 2,119
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of
$968 and $875, respectively 1,342 1,546
Deferred income taxes 1,144 124
Other assets 700 721
------------ -------------
Total assets $ 23,828 $ 21,598
============ =============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 2,705 $ 2,244
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation 706 797
Other accrued liabilities 957 947
------------ -------------
Total current liabilities 4,368 3,988
Other liabilities 505 299
------------ -------------
Total liabilities 4,873 4,287
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized,
19,529,952 and 19,621,503 shares issued, respectively 195 196
Additional paid-in capital 88,600 89,698
Accumulated deficit (70,458) (72,030)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 86 48
Treasury stock - (1,133)
Nil coupon perpetual loan notes 532 532
------------ -------------
Total shareholders' equity 18,955 17,311
------------ -------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 23,828 $ 21,598
============ =============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
19
FUEL-TECH N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
2004 2003 2002
------------- ------------- -------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
NET SALES $ 30,832 $ 35,736 $ 32,627
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales 16,566 21,789 18,232
Selling, general and administrative 12,775 11,659 10,232
Research and development 1,242 1,287 1,455
------------- ------------- -------------
30,583 34,735 29,919
------------- ------------- -------------
OPERATING INCOME 249 1,001 2,708
Income from equity interest in affiliates - - 196
Interest expense - (25) (136)
Other (expense) income, net (83) 144 139
------------- ------------- -------------
INCOME BEFORE TAXES 166 1,120 2,907
Income tax benefit 1,406 - 150
------------- ------------- -------------
NET INCOME $ 1,572 $ 1,120 $ 3,057
============= ============= =============
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.06 $ 0.16
Diluted 0.07 0.05 0.14
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 19,517,000 19,637,000 19,350,000
Diluted 22,155,000 22,412,000 22,437,000
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
20
FUEL-TECH N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other Treasury Stock Nil Coupon
------------ Paid-in Accumulated Comprehensive -------------- Perpetual
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Income (Loss) Shares Amount Loan Notes Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2002 18,984 $190 $87,720 $(76,207) $(68) 64 $(1,098) $ 2,598 $13,135
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 3,057 3,057
Adjustment for fair
value of derivative 42 42
Foreign currency
translation adjustments 36 36
-------
Comprehensive income 3,135
Conversion of nil coupon
perpetual loan notes
into Common Stock 387 4 2,062 (2,066) -
Exercise of stock
options and warrants 243 2 533 535
Other 46 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002 19,614 $196 $90,315 $(73,150) $ 10 110 $(1,098) $ 532 $16,805
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 1,120 1,120
Foreign currency
translation adjustments 38 38
-------
Comprehensive income 1,158
Exercise of stock
options and warrants 282 3 320 323
Purchase of shares for
retirement (274) (3) (937) (940)
Other 8 (35) (35)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 19,622 $196 $89,698 $(72,030) $ 48 118 $(1,133) $ 532 $17,311
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 1,572 1,572
Foreign currency
translation adjustments 38 38
-------
Comprehensive income 1,610
Exercise of stock
options and warrants 26 34 34
Share retirement (118) (1) (1,132) (118) 1,133 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2004 19,530 $195 $ 88,600 $(70,458) $ 86 - $ - $ 532 $18,955
==================================================================================================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
21
FUEL-TECH N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 1,572 $ 1,120 $ 3,057
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 1,225 1,047 902
Amortization 137 65 41
Provision for doubtful accounts 92 425 289
Loss on equipment disposals/impaired assets 109 32 186
Income from equity interest in affiliates - - (196)
Deferred income tax (1,520) (36) (150)
Cash payments against German subsidiary closing reserve - - (20)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (1,355) 2,329 (3,813)
Inventories - 108 (146)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets (197) (454) (68)
and other noncurrent assets
Accounts payable 461 (2,821) 3,087
Accrued liabilities and other 125 (156) 144
noncurrent liabilities
Deferred revenue - - (319)
Other 65 - 7
--------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 714 1,659 3,001
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in and loans to CDT - - 250
Proceeds from sale of equipment 13 - 17
Acquisition of fuel additive business - (1,348) -
Purchases of equipment and patents (2,080) (1,024) (1,338)
--------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,067) (2,372) (1,071)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 34 323 535
Purchase of treasury shares - (35) -
Purchase of shares to be retired - (940) -
Repayment of borrowings - (1,800) (900)
--------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 34 (2,452) (365)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash 38 38 36
--------------------------------------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,281) (3,127) 1,601
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 7,812 10,939 9,338
--------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 6,531 $ 7,812 $10,939
============================================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Fuel-Tech N.V. ("Fuel Tech") is a holding company that provides advanced
engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and
industrial applications. Fuel Tech's primary focus, through its wholly owned
subsidiary, Fuel Tech, Inc. ("FTI"), is on the worldwide marketing and sale of
its NOxOUT Process and related technologies as well as its FUEL CHEM fuel
treatment chemical product line. The NOxOUT Process reduces nitrogen oxide
("NOx") emissions from boilers, furnaces and other stationary combustion
sources. FUEL CHEM is based on Fuel Tech's proprietary
Targeted In-Furnace Injection technology in the unique application of specialty
chemicals to improve the performance of combustion units. Fuel Tech's business
is materially dependent on the continued existence and enforcement of air
quality regulations, particularly in the United States. Fuel Tech has expended
significant resources in the research and development of new technologies in
building its proprietary portfolio of air pollution control, fuel treatment
chemicals, computer modeling and advanced visualization technologies.
International revenues were $4.7 million, $4.8 million and $3.9 million for
the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts
represented 15%, 13% and 12% of Fuel Tech's total revenues for the respective
periods of time. Foreign currency changes did not have a material impact on the
calculation of these percentages.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Fuel Tech
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been
eliminated.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts included in prior year financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The functional currency for Fuel Tech's foreign subsidiaries is the
respective local currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated
into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are
translated using average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar are included in accumulated other
comprehensive income or loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are
included in the determination of net income.
CASH EQUIVALENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fuel Tech considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2004,
substantially all of Fuel Tech's cash and cash equivalents are on deposit with
two financial institutions. All financial instruments are reflected in the
accompanying balance sheets at amounts that approximate fair market value.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Effective January 1, 2001, Fuel Tech adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities," which establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated
in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance
sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the
changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable
to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated
as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the
derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, and
are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings.
Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are
recognized in earnings.
23
Interest Rate Risk Management
Fuel Tech used an interest rate derivative instrument (an interest rate
swap) to manage exposure to interest rate changes. Fuel Tech had entered into an
interest rate swap transaction that fixed the rate of interest at 8.91% on
approximately 50% of the outstanding principal balance during the term of the
loan. The term of the swap was from October 22, 1999 until October 22, 2002, at
which date it expired.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
Fuel Tech's earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Fuel Tech does not enter into
foreign currency forward contracts or into foreign currency option contracts to
manage this risk due to the immaterial nature of the transactions involved.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable includes unbilled receivables, representing costs and
estimated earnings in excess of billings on contracts under the percentage of
completion method. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, unbilled receivables were
approximately $93,000 and $625,000, respectively. The allowance for doubtful
accounts is established based on Fuel Tech's historical level of write-off
activity and management's review of specific accounts at each reporting date.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Effective January 1, 2002, Fuel Tech adopted FASB (Financial Accounting
Standards Board) Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."
Under the guidance of this statement, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
assets are no longer amortized, but rather, are required to be reviewed annually
or more frequently if indicators arise, for impairment. The evaluation of
impairment involves comparing the current fair value of the business to the
recorded value. Fuel Tech uses a discounted cash flow model (DCF) to determine
the current fair value of its reporting units. A number of significant
assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to
forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales
volumes and prices, costs to produce and working capital changes. Management
considers historical experience and all available information at the time the
fair values of its reporting units are estimated. However, actual fair values
that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from those used to
evaluate the impairment of goodwill. Fuel Tech's annual fair value measurement
test revealed no evidence of impairment.
Fuel Tech reviews other intangible assets, which include a customer list, a
covenant not to compete and patent assets, for impairment on a recurring basis
or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted
future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying
amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's
carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Management considers historical
experience and all available information at the time the estimates of future
cash flows are made, however, the actual cash values that could be realized may
differ from those that are estimated.
On September 30, 2003, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, FTI,
acquired the fuel additive business of Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties, LLC
(MMMS). The aggregate purchase price was $1,348,000, paid in cash. The following
table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired.
----------------------------------- ------------------
Equipment $ 50,000
----------------------------------- ------------------
Customer list 1,198,000
----------------------------------- ------------------
Covenant not to compete 100,000
----------------------------------- ------------------
Total $1,348,000
----------------------------------- ==================
The amount of $1,298,000, representing the value of the customer list and
the covenant not to compete, was recorded in other intangible assets on the
consolidated balance sheet. The customer list is being amortized over a period
of 15 years while the covenant not to compete is being amortized over six years.
The estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets is
expected to approximate $100,000 per year for the five-year period ending
December 31, 2009.
24
Included with other intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet are
third-party costs related to the development of patents. As of December 31, 2004
and 2003, the net patent asset balance was $165,000 and $272,000, respectively.
The third-party costs capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2004 and
2003 were $47,000 and $23,000, respectively. Third party costs are comprised of
legal fees that relate to the review and preparation of patent disclosures and
filing fees incurred to present the patents to the required governing body.
Fuel Tech's intellectual property has been the primary building block for
the Air Pollution Control and Fuel treatment chemical product lines. The patents
are essential to the generation of revenue for Fuel Tech's businesses and are
essential to protect Fuel Tech from competition in the markets in which it
serves. These costs are being amortized on the straight-line method over a
period of 10 years from the date of patent issuance. Patent maintenance fees are
charged to operations as incurred. Further, the estimated amortization expense
related to Fuel Tech's intangible patent assets is expected to approximate
$20,000 per year for the five-year period ending December 31, 2009.
Fuel Tech reviews other intangible assets, which include a customer list, a
covenant not to compete and patent assets, for impairment on a recurring basis
or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted
future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying
amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's
carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Management considers historical
experience and all available information at the time the estimates of future
cash flows are made, however, the actual cash values that could be realized may
differ from those that are estimated. The impact of impairment losses on Fuel
Tech was $113,000 and $32,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively, and such amounts are recorded in the "Other income, net," line
item in the consolidated statement of operations.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment is stated on the basis of cost. Provisions for depreciation are
computed by the straight-line method, using estimated useful lives as follows:
Laboratory equipment.......................5-10 years
Furniture and fixtures.....................3-10 years
Field equipment.............................3-4 years
Vehicles......................................3 years
Computer equipment and software.............2-3 years
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Fuel Tech uses the percentage of completion method of accounting for
certain long-term equipment construction and license contracts. Under the
percentage of completion method, sales and gross profit are recognized as work
is performed based on the relationship between actual construction costs
incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Sales and gross profit are
adjusted for revisions in completion estimates and contract values in the period
in which the facts giving rise to the revisions become known. Revenues from the
sales of chemical products are recorded when title transfers, either at the
point of shipment or at the point of destination, depending on the contract with
the customer.
DISTRIBUTION COSTS
Fuel Tech classifies shipping and handling costs in cost of sales in the
consolidated statement of operations.
25
INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences
between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected
to reverse.
For financial statement purposes, Fuel Tech records a valuation allowance
to offset the tax benefit of deductible temporary differences and net operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards. Upon review of its potential sources of
taxable income, Fuel Tech has concluded that it is more likely than not that
some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Fuel Tech considers
the following in the determination: taxable temporary differences that generate
taxable income in the future; the ability to carryback the net operating loss;
projections of future taxable income, and; tax planning strategies which can be
readily implemented. Fuel Tech is a company whose revenues are generated from a
customer base that is heavily regulated. This fact lends some uncertainty to the
ability of the Company to project forward-looking income with precision.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Fuel Tech accounts for stock option grants in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
(APB No.25)." Under Fuel Tech's current plans, options may be granted at not
less than the fair market value on the date of grant, and therefore, no
compensation expense is recognized for the stock options granted.
If compensation expense for Fuel Tech's plans had been determined based on
the fair value at the grant dates for awards under its plans, consistent with
the method described in SFAS No. 123, Fuel Tech's net income and income per
share would have been adjusted as follows for the years ended December 31:
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(in thousands, except share data) 2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
As reported $ 1,572 $1,120 $3,057
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
As adjusted 807 363 2,083
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Basic and diluted income per share:
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Basic - as $.08 $.06 $.16
reported
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Basic - as $.04 $.02 $.11
adjusted
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted - as $.07 $.05 $.14
reported
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted - as $.04 $.02 $.09
adjusted
------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the "As adjusted"
disclosures include only the effect of stock options granted after 1994. The
application of the "As adjusted" disclosures presented above are not
representative of the effects SFAS No. 123 may have on such operating results in
future years due to the timing of stock option grants and considering that
options vest over a period of immediately to four years.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based
Payment," (SFAS No. 123R). SFAS No. 123R eliminates the intrinsic value method
under APB No. 25, and requires Fuel Tech to use a fair-value based method of
accounting for share-based payments. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost
related to stock options is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation cost for employee services
received in exchange for an award of equity instruments be recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the grant-date fair value of that
award. That cost recognized at the grant-date will be amortized in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations over the period during which an employee
is required to provide service in exchange for that award (requisite service
period). For the Company, SFAS No. 123R is effective as of the beginning of the
third quarter of 2005. The Company is still evaluating the impact and has the
option to use the modified prospective or modified retrospective methods upon
adoption of SFAS No. 123R. We have no reason to believe that the amounts
reported as a result of the adoption will be materially different from the prior
disclosed amounts.
26
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per share exclude the dilutive effects of stock options and
of the nil coupon non-redeemable convertible unsecured loan notes (see Note 4).
Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of the nil coupon
non-redeemable convertible unsecured loan notes and of stock options and
warrants. The following table sets forth the weighted-average shares used at
December 31 in calculating earnings per share (in thousands):
------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Basic weighted-average shares 19,517 19,637 19,350
------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Conversion of unsecured loan notes 85 85 85
------------------------------------ ----------- ---------- -----------
Unexercised options and warrants 2,553 2,690 3,002
------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted weighted-average shares 22,155 22,412 22,437
------------------------------------ =========== =========== ===========
2. TAXATION
The components of income (loss) before taxes for the years ended
December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
ORIGIN OF INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES 2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
United States $1,218 $2,210 $3,689
------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Foreign (1,052) (1,090) (782)
------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Income before taxes $ 166 $1,120 $2,907
------------------------------------- =========== =========== =========
Significant components of the income tax (benefit) provision for the years
ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
2004 2003 2002
-------- --------- ---------
Current:
Federal $ - $ 36 $ -
State 94 - (150)
Other 20 - -
-------- -------- -------
Total current 114 36 (150)
Deferred:
Federal 1,512 5,072 2,478
State 204 725 354
Change in valuation allowance (3,236) (5,833) (2,832)
-------- -------- -------
Total deferred (1,520) (36) -
-------- -------- -------
Benefit for income taxes $ (1,406) $ - $ (150)
======== ======== =======
A reconciliation between the (benefit) provision for income taxes
calculated at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the consolidated
(benefit) provision in the consolidated statements of operations for the years
ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands):
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
2004 2003 2002
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Provision (benefit) at the U.S. federal
statutory rate $ 58 $ 392 $ 1,040
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Foreign losses without tax benefit 368 382 274
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Valuation allowance adjustment (1,926) (774) (1,314)
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
State income taxes 94 - (150)
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Benefit for income taxes $ (1,406) $ - $ (150)
- ----------------------------------------- ========== =========== ==========
27
The deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31 are as follows:
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Patents $ (66,000) $ (109,000)
Goodwill (128,000) (42,000)
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax liability (194,000) (151,000)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards 5,140,000 6,994,000
Accounts receivable 30,000 112,000
Warranty reserve 55,000 70,000
Research credit 813,000 555,000
Alternative minimum tax credit 144,000 124,000
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax asset 6,182,000 7,855,000
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets (4,344,000) (7,580,000)
----------- -----------
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowances 1,838,000 275,000
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset $ 1,644,000 $ 124,000
=========== ===========
Fuel Tech's income tax benefit of $1,406,000 for 2004 predominantly
represents the recording of a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation
allowance representing the anticipated utilization of net operating loss
carryforwards in subsequent years as noted above. Based on a review of both
historical and projected taxable income Fuel Tech concluded that it is more
likely than not that some portion of the net operating losses will be utilized
in subsequent years and that a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation
allowance needed to be recorded. The $94,000 in tax expense that offsets this
amount primarily represents state income tax expense. Fuel Tech did not record a
financial impact from income taxes in 2003 and the income tax benefit of
$150,000 that was recorded in 2002 represented a reduction in the reserve for
prior years' state income tax refunds receivable.
The $3.2 million reduction in the valuation allowance from December 31,
2003 to December 31, 2004 is primarily due to the following:
- $1.8 million is due to the utilization ($.4 million) and expiration ($1.4
million) of net operating loss carryforwards in 2004
- $1.5 million is due to a reduction in the valuation allowance for net
operating loss carryforwards. Based on a review of both historical and projected
taxable income, Fuel Tech concluded that it is more likely than not that some
portion of the net operating losses will be utilized in subsequent years and
that a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was required.
- the offsetting $.1 million is due to the net change in deferred tax
assets
At December 31, 2004, FTI had tax losses available for offset against
future years' earnings of approximately $12.8 million in the United States. In
2004, approximately $3.7 million in tax losses expired while $.9 million were
utilized. Under the provisions of the U.S. Tax Reform Act of 1986, utilization
of Fuel Tech's U.S. federal income tax loss carryforwards may be limited should
ownership changes exceed 50% within a three-year period. The remaining U.S.
federal tax loss carryforwards expire as follows (in thousands):
2005 $ 5,467
2006 1,987
2007 2,325
2008 1,480
2009 220
2010 309
2011 884
2012 40
2021 117
--------
$ 12,829
========
28
3. COMMON SHARES
At December 31, 2004, Fuel Tech had 19,529,952 Common Shares issued, with
an additional 84,787 shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of the nil
coupon non-redeemable convertible unsecured loan notes (see Note 4) and
2,810,000 shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options,
1,806,125 of which are currently exercisable (see Note 5).
4. NIL COUPON NON-REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE UNSECURED LOAN NOTES
At December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Fuel Tech had $532,000 principal
amount of nil coupon non-redeemable convertible unsecured perpetual loan notes
(the "Loan Notes") outstanding. The Loan Notes are convertible at any time into
Common Shares at rates of $6.50 or $11.43 per share. The Loan Notes bear no
interest and have no maturity date. They are generally repayable only in the
event of Fuel Tech's dissolution and, accordingly, have been classified within
shareholders' equity in the accompanying balance sheet.
There were no conversions in 2004 or 2003, however, during 2002 Loan Notes
in the principal amount of $2,125,000 were converted into 185,937 Common Shares.
5. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Fuel Tech has granted stock options under the 1993 Incentive Plan ("1993
Plan"). Under the 1993 Plan, awards may be granted to participants in the form
of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation
Rights, Restricted Stock, Performance Awards, Bonuses or other forms of
share-based or non-share-based awards or combinations thereof. Participants in
the 1993 Plan may be such of Fuel Tech's directors, officers, employees,
consultants or advisors (except consultants or advisors in capital-raising
transactions) as the directors determine are key to the success of Fuel Tech's
business. The amount of shares that may be issued or reserved for awards to
participants under a 2004 amendment to the 1993 Plan is 12.5% of outstanding
shares calculated on a fully-diluted basis. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, 408,000,
475,500 and 424,000 options, respectively, were granted to employees and
directors.
The modified Black-Scholes option-pricing model was used to estimate the
fair value of employee stock options for the SFAS No. 123 proforma disclosure in
Note 1. This model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded
options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In
addition, option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because Fuel Tech's
employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those
of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing
models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of
its stock options.
The fair value of each option grant, for "As adjusted" disclosure purposes
in Note 1, was estimated on the date of grant using the modified Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
2004 2003 2002
---- ---- ----
Expected dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Risk-free interest rate 3.60% 2.80% 2.60%
Expected volatility 62.3% 59.1% 74.7%
Expected life of option 4 years 4 years 4 years
29
The following table presents a summary of Fuel Tech's stock option activity
and related information for the years ended December 31:
2004 2003 2002
NUMBER WEIGHTED- NUMBER WEIGHTED- NUMBER WEIGHTED-
OF AVERAGE OF AVERAGE OF AVERAGE
OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTSTANDING AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 2,447,050 $ 3.00 2,207,000 $ 2.71 2,155,500 $ 2.34
GRANTED 408,000 4.67 475,500 3.93 424,000 5.82
EXERCISED (19,425) 1.74 (207,950) 2.16 (243,250) 2.20
EXPIRED OR FORFEITED (25,625) 4.82 (27,500) 3.99 (129,250) 6.23
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTSTANDING AT END OF YEAR 2,810,000 $ 3.24 2,447,050 $ 3.00 2,207,000 $ 2.71
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXERCISABLE AT END OF YEAR 1,806,125 $ 2.65 1,436,050 $ 2.28 1,220,625 $ 2.30
WEIGHTED -AVERAGE FAIR VALUE OF
OPTIONS GRANTED DURING THE YEAR $ 2.31 $ 1.89 $ 3.31
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 2004:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
RANGE OF NUMBER OF REMAINING AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES OPTIONS CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1.47 - $3.26 1,505,500 4.55 years $ 1.90 1,404,375 $ 1.91
$3.60 - $6.27 1,304,500 8.56 years $ 4.78 401,750 $ 5.23
-------------- ------------
$1.47 - $6.27 2,810,000 6.41 years $ 3.24 1,806,125 $ 2.65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the above, Fuel Tech has 2,552,500 warrants outstanding to
purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.75. The warrants expire on
April 30, 2008.
6. COMMITMENTS
OPERATING LEASES
Fuel Tech leases office space, autos and certain equipment under agreements
expiring on various dates through 2010. Future minimum lease payments under
noncancellable operating leases that have initial or remaining lease terms in
excess of one year as of December 31, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):
---------------------- ------------------------
YEAR OF PAYMENT AMOUNT
----------------------- ------------------------
2005 $457
---------------------- ------------------------
2006 458
---------------------- ------------------------
2007 449
---------------------- ------------------------
2008 430
---------------------- ------------------------
2009 324
---------------------- ------------------------
Thereafter 21
---------------------- ------------------------
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, rent expense
approximated $640,000, $618,000 and $584,000, respectively.
30
Fuel Tech has a sublease agreement that obligates the lessee to make future
payments. The sublease obligations noted below are related to a sublease
agreement between Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTI) and American Bailey Corporation (ABC).
ABC will reimburse FTI for its share of lease and lease-related expenses under
FTI's January 29, 2004 lease of its executive offices in Stamford, Connecticut.
Please refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion
of the relation between FTI and ABC. The future minimum lease payments under
this noncancellable sublease as of December 31, 2004 are as follows (in
thousands):
------------------------- -----------------------
YEAR OF PAYMENT AMOUNT
------------------------- -----------------------
2005 $96
------------------------- -----------------------
2006 96
------------------------ ------------------------
2007 96
------------------------ ------------------------
2008 96
------------------------ ------------------------
2009 96
------------------------ ------------------------
Thereafter 8
------------------------ ------------------------
The terms of the two primary lease arrangements are as follows:
- The Batavia, Illinois building lease term runs from June 1, 1999 to May
31, 2009.
- The current Stamford, Connecticut building lease term runs from February
1, 2004 to January 31, 2010. Fuel Tech was provided with a ten month "free
rent" period under this lease, and the total minimum lease payments are
being amortized over the lease term. The deferred rent liability is
$197,000 at December 31, 2004, of which $20,000 and $177,000 are recorded
in current "Other accrued liabilities" and long-term "Other liabilities,"
respectively on the consolidated balance sheet. Under the sublease noted
above, ABC was also provided with a ten month "free rent" period, and the
total minimum lease rentals are also being amortized over the lease term.
The deferred rent receivable is $74,000 at December 31, 2004, of which
$8,000 and $66,000 are recorded in current "Prepaid expenses and other
current assets" and long-term "Other assets," respectively on the
consolidated balance sheet.
The prior Stamford, Connecticut building lease term ran from April 30, 1999
to April 30, 2004.
None of Fuel Tech's lease arrangements are adjusted based on an index feature.
31
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES
The majority of Fuel Tech's long-term equipment construction contracts
contain language guaranteeing that the performance of the system that is being
sold to the customer will meet specific criteria. On occasion, bank performance
guarantees and letters of credit are issued to the customer in support of the
construction contracts as follows:
- in support of the warranty period defined in the contract, or
- in support of the system performance criteria that are defined in
the contract
As of December 31, 2004, Fuel Tech has outstanding bank performance
guarantees and letters of credit in the amount of $258,000 in support of
equipment construction contracts that have not completed their final acceptance
test or that are still operating under a warranty period. Management of Fuel
Tech believes that these projects will be successfully completed and that there
will not be a materially adverse impact on Fuel Tech's operations from these
bank performance guarantees and letters of credit.
7. DEBT FINANCING
Fuel Tech, Inc. (FTI) had a $10.0 million revolving credit facility
expiring July 31, 2004, which was collateralized by all personal property owned
by FTI. Effective June 30, 2004, FTI amended the facility to increase the line
to $15.0 million, and extend the expiration date until July 31, 2006. FTI can
use this facility for cash advances and standby letters of credit. Cash advances
under this facility bear interest based on the following:
- The Bank Prime Rate reduced by a range of zero to 50 basis points,
or
- The Bank Interbank Offering Rate increased by a range of 200 to 250
basis points
The Company can choose which rate to apply to borrowings.
At December 31, 2004, the bank had provided standby letters of credit,
predominantly to customers, totaling approximately $378,000 in connection with
contracts in process. This amount includes the $258,000 in bank performance
guarantees and letters of credit as referred to in Note 6 to the consolidated
financial statements. FTI is committed to reimbursing the issuing bank for any
payments made by the bank under these letters of credit. At December 31, 2004,
there were no cash borrowings under the revolving credit facility and
approximately $14,622,000 was available for utilization.
Interest payments were $39,000 and $156,000 for the years ended December
31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no required interest payments in
2004.
32
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 2004, Fuel Tech has a 10.6% common stock ownership
interest in Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. (CDT) which is being accounted for
using the cost method. Fuel Tech is precluded from selling its interest in CDT
except pursuant to a registration statement, or in a broker/dealer transaction
within the limitations of Rule 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), or in an exempt private placement within the limitations of Rule 144 of
the SEC. Fuel Tech's investment in CDT, whose shares are publicly traded on the
OTC Bulletin Board and the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock
Exchange, had a market value of $3.1 million at December 31, 2004, which is not
reflected on Fuel Tech's balance sheet.
In November 2000, Fuel Tech committed to lend CDT $250,000 as part of a
$1.0 million loan facility between CDT, Fuel Tech and other entities. In
December 2000, Fuel Tech loaned CDT $125,000 as its share of the first $500,000
draw down under the terms of the loan facility. This amount was included in the
prepaid expenses and other current assets line item on the consolidated balance
sheet as of December 31, 2000. In March 2001, Fuel Tech loaned CDT $125,000 as
its share of the second $500,000 draw down under the terms of the loan facility.
The principal balance on both loan installments, with accrued interest at 10%
per annum, was payable on May 14, 2002. For its participation in the loan
facility and for its $250,000 contribution, Fuel Tech received 25,000 warrants
to purchase CDT common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.00 and
can be exercised on or before November 14, 2010. Because of the continuing
losses incurred by CDT, the carrying value of the loans was reduced to $0 as of
December 31, 2001 based on Fuel Tech's pro-rata share of the losses incurred.
Consequently, a $250,000 loss was recorded during 2001. In the first quarter of
2002, CDT repaid the entire amount of the loans plus interest. The payment of
the $250,000 principal value of the loan was recorded as income in the first
quarter of 2002, along with approximately $24,000 in interest income. The value
assigned to the warrants on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004
and 2003 is not significant.
On August 3, 1995, Fuel Tech signed a Management and Services Agreement
with CDT. According to the agreement, CDT is to reimburse Fuel Tech for
management, services and administrative expenses incurred by Fuel Tech on behalf
of CDT. Additionally, Fuel Tech charges CDT an additional 3% of such costs
annually. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, $70,000, $69,000
and $69,000, respectively, was charged to CDT as a management fee.
Pursuant to an assignment agreement of certain technology to CDT, Fuel Tech
is due royalties from CDT of 2.5% of CDT's annual revenue from sales of CDT's
Platinum Fuel Catalyst, commencing in 1998. The royalty obligation expires in
2008. CDT may terminate the royalty obligation to Fuel Tech by payment of $12
million commencing in 1998 and declining annually to $1,090,910 in 2008. CDT as
assignee and owner will maintain the technology at its own expense. To date,
Fuel Tech has received approximately $14,000 in royalties. Fuel Tech intends to
record royalties from CDT on a cash basis.
On April 30, 1998, FTI entered into an agreement with American Bailey
Corporation (ABC) for it to provide certain management and consulting services
to FTI. Principals of ABC currently own 24% of Fuel Tech's Common Shares and
also own warrants to purchase an additional 2.6 million shares, which expire on
April 30, 2008. No fees were to be payable under the agreement for the first 24
months. This agreement was amended in 1999 to extend its term to April 30, 2002,
and provide for the payment of a management fee of $10,417 per month commencing
September 1, 1999, through May 1, 2000, and $20,833 per month until the
termination of the agreement. The agreement was further amended effective May 1,
2002 to increase the management fee to $29,167 per month until the termination
of the agreement as of April 30, 2004. Effective January 1, 2004, this agreement
was terminated.
As of January 1, 2004, two former employees of ABC who were Directors of
Fuel Tech became employees of FTI. Concurrently, in early 2004, a new agreement
was put in place between FTI and ABC. Effective January 1, 2004, a compensation
agreement was established whereby ABC will reimburse FTI for certain services
that employees of FTI will provide to ABC. In addition, ABC is a sublessee under
FTI's January 29, 2004 lease of its executive offices in Stamford, Connecticut.
ABC will reimburse FTI for its share of lease and lease-related expenses under
the sublease agreement. Please refer to Note 6 to the consolidated financial
statements for a further discussion of this sublease.
9. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
Fuel Tech has a retirement savings plan available for all U.S. employees
who have met minimum length-of-service requirements. Fuel Tech's contributions
are determined based upon amounts contributed by Fuel Tech's employees with
additional contributions made at the discretion of Fuel Tech's Board of
Directors. Costs related to this plan were $300,000, $341,000 and $180,000 in
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
33
10. BUSINESS SEGMENT, GEOGRAPHIC AND QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
BUSINESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL DATA
Fuel Tech is organized into three reportable segments, two that provide advanced
engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and
industrial applications, and one that markets and sells visualization software.
The two segments that comprise the advanced engineering solutions product
offerings are as follows:
- The nitrogen oxide reduction technology segment, which includes the
NOxOUT, NOxOUT CASCADE, and NOxOUT SCR processes for the reduction
of nitrogen oxide emissions in flue gas from boilers, incinerators,
furnaces and other stationary combustion sources, and
- The fuel treatment chemical segment which uses chemical processes
for the control of slagging, fouling, and corrosion and for plume
abatement in furnaces and boilers through the addition of chemicals
into the fuel or by Targeted In-Furnace Injection.
The visualization software segment does not meet the materiality test for
disclosure and is aggregated in "Other" below. In addition, Other" also
includes those profit and loss items not allocated by Fuel Tech to each
reportable segment. Lastly, there are no intersegment sales that require
elimination.
Fuel Tech evaluates performance and allocates resources based on reviewing
gross margin by reportable segment. The accounting policies of the reportable
segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant
accounting policies. Fuel Tech does not review assets by reportable segment, but
rather, in aggregate for the Company as a whole.
Information about reporting segment net sales and gross margin are provided
below:
For the year ended December 31, 2004 Nitrogen Oxide Fuel Treatment
Reduction Chemical Other Total
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Net sales from external customers $14,602,000 $16,216,000 $ 14,000 $30,832,000
Cost of sales 8,458,000 7,797,000 311,000 16,566,000
----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Gross margin 6,144,000 8,419,000 (297,000) $14,266,000
Selling, general and administrative - - 12,775,000 12,775,000
Research and development - - 1,242,000 1,242,000
----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Operating income $ 6,144,000 $ 8,419,000 $ (14,314,000) $ 249,000
======================= ======================= ==================== ======================
For the year ended December 31, 2003 Nitrogen Oxide Fuel Treatment
Reduction Chemical Other Total
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Net sales from external customers $25,404,000 $10,315,000 $ 17,000 $35,736,000
Cost of sales 16,886,000 4,672,000 231,000 21,789,000
----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Gross margin 8,518,000 5,643,000 (214,000) 13,947,000
Selling, general and administrative - - 11,659,000 11,659,000
Research and development - - 1,287,000 1,287,000
----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Operating income $ 8,518,000 $ 5,643,000 $ (13,160,000) $ 1,001,000
======================= ======================= ==================== ======================
For the year ended December 31, 2002 Nitrogen Oxide Fuel Treatment
Reduction Chemical Other Total
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Net sales from external customers $25,491,000 $ 7,136,000 $ - $32,627,000
Cost of sales 14,902,000 3,268,000 62,000 18,232,000
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Gross margin 10,589,000 3,868,000 (62,000) 14,395,000
Selling, general and administrative - - 10,232,000 10,232,000
Research and development - - 1,455,000 1,455,000
----------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
Operating income $10,589,000 $ 3,868,000 $ (11,749,000) $ 2,708,000
======================= ======================= ==================== ======================
34
GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT FINANCIAL DATA
Information concerning Fuel Tech's operations by geographic area is
provided below. Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of
the customer. Assets are those directly associated with operations of the
geographic area.
For the years ended December 31 2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------
Net sales:
United States $ 26,093,000 $ 30,965,000 $ 28,724,000
Foreign 4,739,000 4,771,000 3,903,000
--------------------------------------------
$ 30,832,000 $ 35,736,000 $ 32,627,000
============================================
December 31 2004 2003 2002
--------------------------------------------
Assets:
United States $ 21,641,000 $ 19,487,000 $ 24,393,000
Foreign 2,187,000 2,111,000 1,476,000
--------------------------------------------
$ 23,828,000 $ 21,598,000 $ 25,869,000
============================================
35
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Set forth below are the unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED: March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except share data)
2004 (a,b)
Net sales $ 6,152 $ 7,352 $ 9,577 $ 7,751
Cost of sales 3,216 4,196 4,813 4,341
Net (loss) income (531) (308) 1,001 1,410
Net (loss) income per Common Share:
Basic ($.03) ($.02) $.05 $.07
Diluted ($.03) ($.02) $.05 $.06
2003
Net sales $ 8,036 $ 9,968 $ 10,178 $ 7,554
Cost of sales 5,409 6,411 5,592 4,377
Net (loss) income (517) 600 1,317 (280)
Net (loss) income per Common Share:
Basic ($.03) $.03 $.07 ($.01)
Diluted ($.03) $.03 $.06 ($.01)
(a) based on a review of both historical and projected taxable income,
Fuel Tech concluded that it is more likely than not that some portion of
its net operating losses would be utilized in subsequent years and that a
reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance needed to be
recorded. Fuel Tech recorded a reduction in the deferred tax asset
valuation allowance of $1,500,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004
representing the anticipated utilization of net operating loss
carryforwards in subsequent years.
(b) Fuel Tech recorded additional lease expense of $123,000 (net of
sublease income) in the fourth quarter of 2004 related to the calculation
of straight-line rent expense for its Stamford lease. The effect of this
adjustment on the quarterly net (loss) income for the quarters ended March
31, 2004, June 30, 2004, September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2004, was
($25,000), ($37,000), ($37,000) and ($24,000), respectively. These amounts
are reflected in the quarterly results in the above table. Please refer to
Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
The total of the basic and diluted net (loss) income amounts per share for the
four quarters ending December 31, 2004 does not sum to the amounts presented on
the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ending December 31, 2004
due to rounding.
36
11. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BALANCE SHEETS (AT DECEMBER 31) 2004 2003
----------- ------------
Assets:
Receivable and other current assets $ 145,000 $ 96,000
Investments in subsidiaries 18,958,000 17,305,000
----------- -----------
Total assets $19,103,000 $17,401,000
=========== ===========
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 148,000 $ 90,000
Shareholders' equity 18,955,000 17,311,000
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $19,103,000 $17,401,000
=========== ===========
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31) 2004 2003 2002
----------- ------------ ------------
Loss from operations $ (772,000) $ (763,000) $ (710,000)
Interest and other income, net - - 222,000
Income from equity investment in subsidiary 2,344,000 1,883,000 3,545,000
----------- ------------ ------------
Net income $ 1,572,000 $ 1,120,000 $ 3,057,000
=========== ============ ============
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31) 2004 2003 2002
----------- ------------ ------------
Operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities $ (764,000) $ (880,000) $ (757,000)
----------- ------------ ------------
Investing activities:
Repayment from CDT of outstanding loan - - 250,000
----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by investing activities - - 250,000
Financing activities:
Repayments from FTI 730,000 1,532,000 (28,000)
Exercise of stock options 34,000 323,000 535,000
Purchase of treasury stock/other - (35,000) -
Purchase of shares to be retired - (940,000) -
----------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 764,000 880,000 507,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents - - -
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period - - -
----------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ - $ - $ -
=========== ============ ============
Basis of Presentation:
In the parent company financial statements, Fuel Tech's investment in
subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of
subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. Fuel Tech's share of net income of
its unconsolidated subsidiaries is included in consolidated income using the
equity method. The parent company financial statements should be read in
conjunction with Fuel Tech's consolidated financial statements.
37
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective March 1, 2005 Fuel Tech announced that it would discontinue
commercialization activities associated with its ACUITIV visualization software
business. The software will continue to be maintained and utilized internally on
a prospective basis because it is an essential tool in the design, marketing and
sale of Fuel Tech's NOx reduction and FUEL CHEM product applications. As part of
the cessation of activities, Fuel Tech will record a charge of approximately
$40,000 in the first quarter of 2005 representing severance obligations for
three employees.
Effective December 31, 2004, patent assets related to the ACUITIV
visualization software business were deemed impaired. The impact of the
impairment loss for Fuel Tech was $88,000 and was recorded in the "Other income,
net," line item in the consolidated statement of operations.
38
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), Fuel Tech's management carried out an evaluation,
with the participation of Fuel Tech's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Fuel Tech's disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the last fiscal quarter.
In performing the evaluation, one instance was found where the procedures and
controls were insufficient to ensure that infrequent or unusual business
transactions, such as lease agreements, are analyzed, recorded, and monitored in
the context of authoritative accounting guidance such that these transactions
are recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Rent
expense during the year was understated due to the accounting treatment for a
"free rent" period that was provided in its lease agreement for its corporate
headquarters. Fuel Tech had recorded rent expense in accordance with the
required rental payment schedule in the lease, rather than amortizing the total
minimum lease payments over the full term of the lease. The adjustment for
additional rent expense of $123,000 was recorded subsequent to the press release
issued on Thursday, March 3, 2005. Fuel Tech has only one other building lease
agreement.
Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, Fuel Tech's disclosure controls
and procedures were not operating effectively to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by Fuel Tech in the reports that Fuel Tech files or
submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported,
within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and our
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's Attestation Report are included
at Item 8.
Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as disclosed in the Remediation Steps to Address Material Weakness in
Item 8 under Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,
there was no change in Fuel Tech's internal control over financial reporting
that was identified in connection with such evaluations that occurred during the
period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Fuel Tech's internal control over
financial reporting.
39
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information required by this Item will be set forth under the captions
"Election of Directors," "Directors and Executive Officers of Fuel Tech,"
"Compensation Committee," "Audit Committee," and "Financial Experts" in Fuel
Tech's Proxy Statement related to the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Proxy Statement") and is incorporated by reference.
Fuel Tech has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the "Code")
that applies to all employees, officers and directors, including the Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. A copy of the Code is
available free of charge to any person on written or telephone request to Fuel
Tech's Investor Relations at the address or telephone number set out in Fuel
Tech's Annual Report to Shareholders.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption
"Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference
excluding, however, the information under the captions "Report of the Board of
Directors on Executive Compensation" and "Performance Graph," which is not
incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption
"Principal Shareholders and Stock Ownership of Management" in the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information required by this Item will be set forth under the captions
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement and is
incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this Item will be set forth under the caption
"Approval of Appointment of Auditors" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated
by reference.
40
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The financial statements identified below and required by Part II, Item 8
of this Form 10-K are set forth above.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Years Ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
See Schedule II, Valuation and Allowance Accounts.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FUEL-TECH N.V.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Balance at Charged to costs Balance at
Year January 1 and expenses Deductions December 31
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------ --------------------
2002 $162,000 $289,000 $(344,000) $107,000
- ------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------ --------------------
2003 107,000 425,000 (221,000) 311,000
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------ --------------------
2004 311,000 92,000 (329,000) 74,000
- ------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------ --------------------
All other schedules have been omitted because of the absence of the
conditions under which they are required or because the required information
where material is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
41
(3) Exhibits
+ 1.0 Articles of Association of Fuel-Tech N.V. (in Dutch and English)
as amended through April 27, 1998
* 2.1 Instrument Constituting US $19,200,000 Nil Coupon Non-Redeemable
Convertible Unsecured Loan Notes of Fuel-Tech N.V., dated December
21, 1989
* 2.2 First Supplemental Instrument Constituting US $3,000,000 Nil
Coupon Non-Redeemable Convertible Unsecured Loan Notes of Fuel-Tech
N.V., dated July 10, 1990
** 2.3 Instrument Constituting US $6,000,000 Nil Coupon Non-Redeemable
Convertible Unsecured Loan Notes of Fuel-Tech N.V., dated March 12,
1993
** 2.4 Form of Warrants issued April 30, 1998 evidencing right to
purchase 3 million shares of Fuel-Tech N.V. common stock.
* 3.1 Fuel Tech, Inc. Form of 1992 Substitute Stock Option Agreement
* 3.2 Fuel-Tech N.V. Form of 1992 Substitute Stock Option Agreement
* 3.3 Fuel-Tech N.V. Form of 1993 Stock Option Agreement as amended
through August 3, 1999
& 3.4 The 1993 Incentive Plan of Fuel-Tech N.V. as amended through
August 3, 1999
* 3.5 License Implementation Agreement dated June 10, 1991 among NFT,
Nalco Fuel Tech, B.V., and Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
* 3.6 License Implementation Agreement dated April 23, 1991 among NFT,
Nalco Fuel Tech, B.V., and R-C Environmental Services &
Technologies, a division of Research Cottrell, Inc.
* 3.7 License Implementation Agreement dated May 22, 1991 among NFT,
Nalco Fuel Tech, B.V., and Wheelabrator Air Pollution Control, Inc.
* 3.8 Agreement dated July 3, 1990 between NFT and Arcadian
Corporation
* 3.9 License Agreement dated September 12, 1991 between NFT and BP
Chemicals Inc.
* 3.10 Agreement dated November 5, 1990 between NFT and Cargill,
Incorporated
* 3.11 Agreement dated August 30, 1990 between NFT and Nitrochem, Inc.
* 3.12 License Agreement dated December 27, 1990 between NFT and Union
Oil Company of California dba Unocal
* 3.13 Agreement dated September 30, 1990 between NFT and W.H.
Shurtleff Company
** 3.14 Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of March 23, 1998,
between Fuel-Tech N.V., and the several Investors signatory thereto,
including exhibits.
#& 3.15 License Agreement dated November 18, 1998 between The Gas
Technology Institute and Fuel Tech, Inc. relating to the FLGR
Process
#& 3.16 Amendment No. 1, dated February 28, 2000, to License Agreement
of November 18, 1998 between The Gas Technology Institute and Fuel
Tech, Inc.
ooo3.17 The Amended and Restated Business Loan Agreement dated as of August
31, 1999 between Bank of America, National Association and FTI; as
amended through December 31, 2002
oo 19.2 Those portions of the Proxy Statement to be distributed to
Shareholders of Fuel Tech for the 2005 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of Fuel-Tech N.V. specifically incorporated by
reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
o 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
o 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
o 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
o 32 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
* Filed with Registration Statement on Form 20-F, No. 000-21724 of
August 26, 1993, as amended
** Filed with Registrant's Report on Form 6-K for the month of March
1998
+ Filed with Registrant's Report on Form 20-F for the year 1997
o Filed herewith
oo To be filed with the Registrant's definitive proxy material for its
2005 Annual Meeting
ooo Filed with Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year 2002
# Confidential information removed and filed separately
& Filed with Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year 1999
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- The Company filed form 8-K on November 2, 2004. This filing is
included the Company's third quarter 2004 earnings press release.
42
SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 16, 2005 By: /s/ Ralph E. Bailey
-----------------------
Ralph E. Bailey
Chairman, Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 16, 2005 By: /s/ Vincent J. Arnone
-------------------------
Vincent J. Arnone
Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President and
Treasurer
43
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been duly signed below by the following persons on behalf of
Fuel-Tech N.V. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Date: March 16, 2005
/s/ Ralph E. Bailey Chairman, Managing Director and
------------------- Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Ralph E. Bailey Executive Officer)
/s/ Vincent J. Arnone Chief Financial Officer, Vice President
--------------------- and Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Vincent J. Arnone Accounting Officer)
/s/ Douglas G. Bailey Managing Director
---------------------
Douglas G. Bailey
/s/ Thomas J. Shaw Managing Director
------------------
Thomas J. Shaw
/s/ Miguel Espinosa Managing Director
-------------------
Miguel Espinosa
/s/ Samer S. Khanachet Managing Director
----------------------
Samer S. Khanachet
/s/ John D. Morrow Managing Director
------------------
John D. Morrow
/s/ Charles W. Grinnell Managing Director, Vice President, General
----------------------- Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Charles W. Grinnell
44